Mumbai’s tolling framework is set for another shift as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has initiated a proposal to relocate the Dahisar toll plaza further north, beyond the Versova Bridge. The plan, which requires clearance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), comes amid mounting political opposition and increasing complaints from motorists about worsening congestion at the city’s northern gateway.
Officials confirmed that a formal request has been sent to NHAI, since the existing Dahisar toll naka operates under its jurisdiction as part of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway. The proposed new location would fall within the limits of the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation, potentially moving the toll’s impact away from dense residential areas and aligning it more closely with regional traffic flows. The debate over relocation intensified earlier this month when state authorities announced the toll would be moved 2 km northwards to near the Versova Bridge. However, that decision faced immediate resistance from several political groups within the Mira-Bhayandar region, who argued that the shift would inconvenience daily commuters travelling towards Thane and beyond. Concerns also surfaced about higher logistics costs, as toll levies on commercial and heavy vehicles could inflate the price of goods moving through the region.
MSRDC, however, has highlighted that congestion near the current plaza is worsening, particularly during peak hours. Residents have repeatedly flagged delays and bottlenecks caused by the heavy mix of passenger and freight traffic at Dahisar. A senior official noted that the construction of Mumbai Metro Line 9 has compounded the problem, as one of the planned stations is adjacent to the toll gates. Relocating the naka, therefore, is being positioned as both a congestion-relief measure and an infrastructure coordination necessity. The issue also carries political undertones, with the relocation debate spilling into constituency boundaries. Observers note that electoral considerations have shaped positions on both sides of the argument, though the final decision now hinges on statutory approvals rather than political consensus.
Transport experts argue that toll plazas across metropolitan regions must be re-evaluated through the lens of sustainable mobility. Congestion at toll points not only wastes commuter time but also increases vehicular emissions, directly undermining the city’s climate goals. Relocation, while controversial, could provide immediate relief but must be paired with technology-driven solutions such as electronic toll collection to ensure long-term efficiency. As the city awaits NHAI’s decision, commuters remain anxious over the timing and logistics of the shift. With the state government keen on resolving the issue before Diwali, the next few weeks will determine whether Mumbai can balance traffic management, infrastructure expansion, and commuter convenience in one of its most contested transport corridors.
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